The European Commission has proposed to exempt the Western Balkans from its requirement for export authorization for medical equipment during the coronavirus pandemic.
It has started consultations with EU Member States on a new export authorization scheme, following their ban on exports of medical equipment from March 15 to April 25.
The new scheme is will be valid until May 25, and export authorization will be required only for protective masks. The Western Balkans will be exempt from any such requirement. Companies can export any other product without needing an authorization.
Policy changes come one week after foreign minister of the WB requested the EC to exclude their countries from the restrictions, which were generally in the region.
Additionally, the EU has pledged €411 million in aid to help the six Western Balkan countries fight the coronavirus outbreak.
